Man behind "Spanish Laughing Guy" Meme Dies at 65

Juan Joya Borja, actor and comedian known as “El Risitas” and the face behind the iconic “Spanish Laughing Guy” meme, passed away on Wednesday. He was age 65.

Spanish newspapers reported that Borja died after a long battle with illness in a hospital at the center of his Seville hometown.

He was hospitalized in 2020 and struggled on and off until a relapse led to his passing.

The comedian and actor originally worked in the kitchen and on construction sites. He gained fame in Spain after being appearing on a variety show called "Ratones Coloraos" in 2007.

https://youtu.be/LhNnUOpE7bw

During the interview, Rojas was telling a funny story about throwing dishes into the ocean while working a job as a young man. Ratones Coloraos uploaded the segment to YouTube and it gained popularity in Spain.

The Spanish comedian and actor internet fame launched in 2015 after a YouTube video of him laughing during the interview, which birthed dozens of parody videos.